JP5378547B2 - Intervertebral implant - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an intervertebral implant, and more particularly, the present invention relates to an intervertebral implant that can expand the degree to which adjacent vertebrae move.

  Prior intervertebral implants are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,314,477 and US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0215198. These references disclose implants that are replaced with discs removed from the intervertebral space using total disc replacement. These devices and other devices require the insertion of an artificial disc implant in the intervertebral space between adjacent vertebrae, allowing adjacent vertebrae to move freely within a limited range It has been used in the field of disc replacement.

  Recently, several non-fusion techniques have emerged that treat different stages of degenerative disc disease other than total disc replacement. One of these techniques includes a nucleus pulposus replacement device developed to treat the early stages of degenerative disc disease. The purpose of these techniques is to replace only the nucleus pulposus of the disc and keep the annulus and ligament as intact as possible.

These prior nucleus replacement intervertebral devices may allow a limited range of movement, but are new and improved, which promotes the movement of adjacent vertebrae relative to each other. There is a need for an intervertebral disc device.
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  The present invention relates to a new and improved intervertebral implant device that can enhance the mutual movement of adjacent vertebrae. In one form, the implant comprises three components: two end plates having articulating convex surfaces, an upper and lower portion, and a biconcave core member disposed between the upper and lower portions. Including. The device may be inserted into the intervertebral space as an assembly of individual parts or as individual components. Insertion is preferably performed by a lateral or anterior lateral approach while protecting the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. Alternatively, the device may be inserted by a forward approach. The implant device provides a stable, partial, ie, two endplate and core member, by protecting the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments when inserted using a lateral or anterior lateral approach. The movement of nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc is reproduced while maintaining the sex.

  In a preferred form, the implant allows for free movement in all directions and can move horizontally between adjacent upper and lower vertebrae.

  The invention includes, in one form, an intervertebral implant device having an upper portion with an upper surface that engages a vertebra and a lower surface that includes a convex portion. The lower portion includes a lower surface that engages the vertebrae and an upper surface having a convex portion. The core member has an upper concave surface portion that is operatively engaged with the upper convex surface portion, and a lower concave surface portion that is operatively engaged with the lower convex surface portion. At least one of the upper part or the lower part has a groove surrounding its convex part.

  The present invention, in another aspect, includes an intervertebral implant device having an upper portion and a lower portion and a core member therebetween. The upper portion has an upper surface that engages with the vertebrae and a lower surface that includes a convex portion. The bottom has a lower surface that engages the vertebrae and an upper surface having a convex portion. The core member has an upper concave surface portion that is operatively engaged with the upper convex surface portion, and a lower concave surface portion that is operatively engaged with the lower convex surface portion. The upper part and the lower part can be translated outward from each other as the surface of each convex surface part slides along the surface of the concave surface part of the core member.

  In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the upper part relative to the lower part is limited by the core member abutting on the upper wall surface of the groove formed on the lower surface of the upper part and the lower wall surface of the groove formed on the upper surface of the lower part, respectively. .

  The present invention, in another form, includes an intervertebral implant device having an upper portion, the upper portion having an upper surface that engages the vertebrae and an upper inlay member dimensioned to be disposed in a recess formed in the upper portion. Have. The upper inlay member includes a lower surface including a convex surface facing the opposite side of the upper recess. The lower portion has a lower surface that engages the vertebrae, and the lower inlay member is dimensioned to be placed in a recess formed in the lower portion. The lower inlay member has an upper surface, and the upper surface includes a convex surface facing the opposite side of the lower recess. The core member has an upper concave surface portion that is operatively engaged with the convex surface of the upper inlay member, and a lower concave surface portion that is operatively engaged with the convex surface of the lower inlay member. The upper part and the lower part can be translated from each other by sliding the surface of each convex surface along the surface of the concave portion of the core member.

  In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the upper part relative to the lower part is limited by the core member abutting on the upper wall surface of the groove formed on the lower surface of the upper part and the lower wall surface of the groove formed on the upper surface of the lower part, respectively. .

  The objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of an intervertebral implant device according to the present invention. FIG. It is an enlarged view of the implant apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing which cut off the implant apparatus of FIG. 1 in the surface of 3-3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an implant device according to the present invention. It is sectional drawing which cut off the implant apparatus of FIG. 4 in the surface of 5-5 line | wire. FIG. 6 is a view of a core member of the implant device of FIG. 5. It is sectional drawing which cut off the apparatus of FIG. 4 in the surface of 7-7. FIG. 8 is a side view of the lower plate of the device of FIG. 4 taken along the line 8-8. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 with an insertion tool according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the implant device of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the implant device of FIG. 4 in a position inclined to the right outer side, taken along the plane 5-5 of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the implant device of FIG. 4 in a position inclined to the left outer side, taken along the plane 5-5 of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the implant device of FIG. 4 in the extended position, cut away at the plane 7-7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the implant device of FIG. 4 in a bent position, taken along the plane 7-7. FIG. 5 is a view of the implant device of FIG. 4 in a position moved outwardly cut along the plane 5-5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the implant device of FIG. 4 in a position moved rearward, taken along the plane 7-7. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an implant device according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the implant device of FIG. 16 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. It is a figure of the core member of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the implant device of FIG. 16 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. It is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of the implant device of FIG. 16 in a position bent to the left outer side. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of the implant device of FIG. 16 in a position bent to the right outside. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the implant device of FIG. 16 in a bent position, taken along line 19-19. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of the implant device of FIG. 16 in the extended position. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of the implant device of FIG. 16 in a position moved to the left outer side. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of the implant device of FIG. 16 in a position moved to the posterior exterior. It is a top view of another embodiment of an implant device concerning the present invention. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the implant device of FIG. 27 taken along line 28-28. FIG. 29 is a view of a core member of the implant device of FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is a view of the implant device of FIG. 27 in a position moved outward, taken along line 28-28. It is a top view of FIG.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring now to the drawings, like elements are designated with like numerals in the several views.

  With particular reference to FIGS. 1-3, the intervertebral implant device 10 includes an upper portion in the form of an upper plate 20, a lower portion in the form of a lower plate 30, and a core member 40. The upper plate 20 includes an upper surface 21 and a downward convex surface 22. The locking portion 23 having the teeth 24 is designed to fit firmly and firmly into an elongated hole formed in the upper vertebra with the upper surface 21 adjacent to the lower surface of the upper vertebra. Similarly, the lower plate 30 includes a lower surface 31, an upper convex surface 32, and a locking portion 33 having locking teeth 34. When the device 10 is implanted, the locking portion 33 is firmly fitted into an elongated hole formed in the lower vertebra with the lower surface 31 adjacent to the upper surface of the lower vertebra.

  The locking portions 23, 33 are parallel to the longitudinal main surface passing through the implant device 10. It is convenient for inserting the device into the intervertebral space that the locking portions 23, 33 are oriented parallel to the longitudinal main surface of the implant device.

  The core 40 includes an upper concave surface portion 41, a lower concave surface portion 42, and an outer peripheral groove 43. The upper concave surface portion 41 contacts the lower convex surface 22 of the upper plate 20, and the lower concave surface portion 42 contacts the upper convex surface 32 of the lower plate 30. As a result, each convex surface 22, 32 can articulate with the upper concave surface portion 41 and the lower concave surface portion 42 of the core 40. The design of the outer circumferential groove 43 is such that it engages an insertion instrument used during insertion of the implant device 10 so that the core 40 is properly operated between the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 30. .

  Upper plate 20 and lower plate 30 may be made of a suitable metal material such as CoCr or titanium. Similarly, the core member 40 may be composed of a suitable metallic material that is the same as or different from the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 30.

  The implant device 10 can be inserted as an assembly of individual parts or as individual components, ie, an upper plate 20, a lower plate 30, and a core member 40. Preferably, the implant device 10 can be inserted by a lateral or anterior lateral approach, which protects the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments. Alternatively, the implant device 10 can be inserted by a previous approach. The implant device 10 reproduces a fluid nucleus pulposus within the intervertebral disc. Stability of the upper plate, lower plate and core member is obtained in part by protecting all of the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments with a lateral or anterior lateral approach.

  Insertion of the implant device 10 can be performed by appropriate surgery. For example, in one preferred method of lumbar surgery, it is common to reach the height of the pathological lumbar spine using a lateral or anterior lateral approach. However, other methods including the previous approach may be used. Of course, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, since the locking portions 23 and 33 are in a cross section, it is more preferable that the present embodiment shown here is inserted only from the side.

  During lateral or anterior lateral insertion, an upper elongate groove for receiving the locking portion 23 is formed in the upper vertebra, and a lower elongate groove for receiving the locking portion 33 is formed in the lower vertebra. It is formed. Lateral discectomy protects all anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments and some of the original intervertebral annulus, resulting in adequate coverage of the upper and lower plates, The upper plate is prevented from sinking or inadvertently moving with respect to the lower plate. The implant device 10 is assembled in advance by inserting the core 40 between the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 30, and the entire implant device 10 is inserted into the intervertebral space to form the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra. Can be attached.

  With reference to FIGS. 4-15, an implant device 110 is another embodiment of the present invention. Parts similar to those of the embodiment of the device 10 are numbered similarly, but in FIGS. FIGS. 4-7 and 9 show the implant device in a neutral position, and FIGS. 10-15 show the implant device 10 in a functioning position in various different orientations.

  4-15, the implant device 110 includes an upper plate 120, a lower plate 130, and a core 140. The upper plate 120 includes an upper surface 121 and a locking portion 123 having teeth 124. The lower plate 130 includes a lower surface 131 and a locking portion 133 having teeth 134. When the locking portions 123 and 133 are embedded, the locking portion 123 is firmly fitted into an elongated groove formed in the upper vertebra with the upper surface 121 adjacent to the surface of the upper vertebra, and the locking portion 133 is fixed to the lower surface 131. Is firmly fitted in an elongated groove formed in the lower vertebra, adjacent to the face of the lower vertebra.

The locking portions 123, 133 are shown at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal main surface passing through the implant device 110. The 45 degree angle and orientation of the locks 123, 133 is convenient for insertion by the anterior-lateral approach. However, the locking portions 123 and 133 may have any angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal main surface.

  The upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 are made of a suitable metal material, which includes, but is not limited to, CoCr and titanium, or a suitable ceramic material. The upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 may be made of different materials, but the plates are preferably made of the same material.

  An upward convex inlay 125 is disposed in a recess 127 formed on the bottom surface of the upper plate 120, and has a downward convex surface 126 on the opposite side of the recess 127. Similarly, the downward convex inlay 135 is disposed in the recess 137 of the lower plate 130 and has an upward convex surface 136 on the opposite side of the recess 137. The up-convex inlay 125 and the down-convex inlay 135 can be made of suitable materials including various plastics and polymers, such as polyethylene, and ceramic materials.

  An upper groove 128 is formed on the bottom surface of the upper plate 120 so as to surround the recess 127. The upper groove 128 extends 360 degrees around the lower convex surface 126. A lower groove 138 is also formed on the upper surface of the lower plate 130 surrounding the recess 137 and extends 360 degrees around the upper convex surface 136.

  The upper groove 128 has a groove wall surface 129, and the groove wall surface 129y includes groove bottom surfaces 129a, 129c, 129e, 129g and groove side wall surfaces 129b, 129d, 129f, 129h. 4 to 15 show the groove bottom surfaces 129a and 129c, and the groove bottom surfaces 129e and 129g are parallel to the horizontal plane. Alternatively, the groove bottom surfaces 129a, 129c, 129e, and 129g may be angled with respect to the horizontal plane. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the groove bottoms 129a, 129c, 129e, 129g may be tilted upward as they extend in the radial direction.

  A groove wall surface 139 is provided in the lower groove 138, and the groove wall surface 139 includes groove bottom surfaces 139a, 139c, 139e, 139g, and groove side wall surfaces 139b, 139d, 139f, 139h. Similar to the groove bottom surfaces 129a, 129c, 129e, and 129g, the groove bottom surfaces 139a, 139c, 139e, and 139g are parallel to the horizontal plane. Alternatively, the groove bottom surfaces 139a, 139c, 139e, and 139g may be inclined downward as they extend in the radial direction. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the groove surfaces 139a, 139c, 139e, 139g may be inclined downward by 5 degrees.

  The core 140 has an upper concave portion, that is, an upper concave surface 141, a lower concave portion, that is, a lower concave surface 142, and an outer peripheral groove 143. The upper concave surface 141 provides an articulating surface with the lower convex surface 126, and the lower concave surface 142 provides an articulating surface with the upper convex surface 136.

  Now referring specifically to FIG. 6 in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 7, the core member 140 includes an upper surface 144 and a lower surface 145. The upper surface 144 includes upper inclined surfaces 144a, 144c, 144e, 144g and upper peripheral surfaces 144b, 144d, 144f, 144h. The lower surface 145 includes angled surfaces 145a, 145c, 145e, 145g and lower peripheral surfaces 145b, 145d, 145f, 145h.

  In an alternative embodiment in which the upper groove bottom surfaces 129a, 129c, 129e, 129g and the lower groove bottom surfaces 139a, 139c, 139e, 139g are inclined, the upper inclined surfaces 144a, 144c, 144e, 144g are replaced with the upper groove bottom surfaces 129a, 129c. 129e and 129g are inclined at an angle opposite to the direction of the angle, and the lower inclined surfaces 145a, 145c, 145e and 145g are angled opposite to the angle direction of the lower groove bottom surfaces 139a, 139c, 139e and 139g. Will be inclined at.

  The upper inclined surfaces 144a, 144c, 144e, and 144g of the core are inclined away from the upper groove bottom surfaces 129a, 129c, 129e, and 129g, and the lower inclined surfaces 145a, 145c, 145e, and 145g of the core are the lower groove bottom surfaces 139a, 139c, 139e, 139g, so that when the implant device 110 is in the neutral position, the upper inclined surfaces 144a, 144c, 144e, 144g and the upper groove bottom surfaces 129a, 129c, 129e, 129g A large gap is generated between the lower inclined surfaces 145a, 145c, 145e, and 145g and the lower groove bottom surfaces 139a, 139c, 139e, and 139g, as compared with the gaps formed by the surfaces of the cores that are not inclined. . Due to the relatively wide gap, the upper part 120 is easy to move relative to the lower part 130. In an alternative embodiment, tilting the groove bottom surfaces 129, 139 in a direction opposite to the direction of the inclined surface of each core creates an equivalent wider gap so that the upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 can move further. .

  In one preferred method, device 110 is placed between adjacent vertebrae in a manner similar to that described above for implant 10, except that the implant is inserted from the anterior side with the locking portion at a 45 degree orientation. insert. Thus, the implant 110 is inserted into the intervertebral space as a single integrated device with the core 140 disposed between the upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 or as a separate component. The device 110 may cause the upper plate 120 to move in a limited range relative to the lower plate 130 and translate the upper plate 120 laterally relative to the lower plate 130. The restrictions on free movement and horizontal translation are provided by interacting the core 140 with the upper groove 128 and the lower groove 138 as described in detail in connection with FIGS.

  Referring now specifically to FIGS. 10 and 11, the implant device 110 can tilt to the right outer side (FIG. 10) and tilt to the left outer side (FIG. 11). While tilting outward to the right, the upper convex surface 126 and the lower upper convex surface 136 are articulated along the upper concave surface 141 and the lower concave surface 142 of the core 140, respectively. As a result, while tilting to the right outer side, the core 140 slides into the grooves 128 and 138, and the upper inclined surface 144c is in contact with the upper groove bottom surface 129c in a state where the core 140 is inclined by a maximum of 90 degrees as shown in FIG. The upper peripheral surface 144d contacts the upper groove side wall surface 129d, the lower inclined surface 145c contacts the lower groove bottom surface 139c, and the lower peripheral surface 145d contacts the lower groove side wall surface 139d. Similarly, while tilting to the left outer side, the upper plate 120 and the lower plate 130 rotate relative to each other along the convex surfaces 126 and 136, and the convex surfaces 126 and 136 respectively correspond to the concave surfaces 141 and 142 of the core 140. When articulated and tilted maximally to the left outside, the upper core surfaces 144a, 144b are disposed in the grooves 128 of the upper plate 120 and abut against the corresponding wall surfaces of the grooves 128, while the lower core surfaces 145a, 145b are , Disposed in the groove 138 of the lower plate 130 and abuts the corresponding wall surface of the groove 138.

  Limiting the mobility of the upper plate 120 relative to the lower plate 130 is accomplished by bringing the upper core surface 144 into contact with the corresponding groove surface 129 and the lower core surface 145 into contact with the corresponding groove surface 139. For example, while tilting outward to the right, the upper core surface 144c contacts the upper groove bottom surface 129c, the upper peripheral surface 144d contacts the upper groove side wall surface 129d, and the lower core surface 145c extends downward. The lower peripheral surface 145d is in contact with the lower groove side wall surface 139d. Similarly, while tilting to the left outer side, at the maximum time, the upper core surfaces 144a and 144b abut against the upper groove surfaces 129a and 129b, respectively, and the lower core surfaces 145a and 145b are lower groove surfaces 139a and 139b, respectively. And abut each.

  Referring now to FIG. 12, in the extended position, the lower convex surface 126 articulates along the upper concave surface 141 of the core 140, and the upper convex surface 136 articulates along the lower concave surface 142 of the core 140. In the maximum extended position shown in FIG. 12, the upper core surfaces 144g and 144h are disposed in the grooves 128, and the lower core surfaces 145g and 145h are disposed in the grooves 138 and contact the corresponding groove surfaces, that is, The core surfaces 144g and 144h abut on the groove surfaces 129g and 129h, respectively, and the lower core surfaces 145g and 145h abut on the groove surfaces 139g and 139h, respectively.

  Referring now to FIG. 13, in the bent position of the device 110, the upper core surfaces 144e, 144f are disposed in the upper groove 128 and the lower core surfaces 145e, 145f are positioned in the lower groove 138 at the maximum bent position. Arranged in contact with the bottom surface of the corresponding groove.

  As in the case of limiting the inclination to the right outer side and the inclination to the left outer side, the upper core surface 144 and the upper groove wall surface 129 interact with each other, and the lower core surface 145 and the lower groove wall surface 139 interact with each other. By doing so, maximum bending and extension can be performed.

  The implant device 110 also provides a full 360 degree outward translation. FIG. 14 shows the parallel translation to the outside of the implant device 110, with the upper part moving in the direction of arrow 150 relative to the lower part, and in FIG. 15, the upper part moves backward with respect to the lower part as indicated by arrow 151. FIG. 5 shows the translation back of the implant device 110. By slidingly articulating the lower convex surface 126 of the upper plate 120 with the upper concave surface 141 of the core 140 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the upper convex surface 136 of the lower plate 130 is articulated along the lower concave surface 142 of the core 140 The upper plate 120 may translate relative to the lower plate 130 in a translation direction, for example, in the direction 150 or 151.

  With particular reference to the outward translation in FIG. 14, the upper plate 120 translates in the direction of arrow 150 relative to the lower plate 130, resulting in lower core surfaces 145a, 145b at the maximum translation position of the implant device 110. Slides into the groove 138, the upper core surfaces 144c, 144d slide into the upper groove 128, the lower core surface 145a contacts the lower groove bottom surface 139a, and the lower peripheral surface 145b forms the lower groove sidewall surface 139b. The upper core surface 144c contacts the upper groove bottom surface 129c, and the upper peripheral core surface 144d contacts the upper side wall surface 129d. In the backward translation shown in FIG. 15, when the implant 110 is in the position of the maximum translation, the lower core surfaces 145g and 145h slide into the grooves 138 and abut against the groove surfaces 139g and 139h, respectively. The upper core surfaces 144e and 144f slide into the groove 128 and abut against the groove surfaces 129e and 129f, respectively.

  8a and 8b, the upper plate 120 includes a pair of grooves 182a and 182b, and the lower plate 130 includes a pair of grooves 184a and 184b. The paired grooves 182a, 182b and grooves 184a, 184b are dimensioned to be compatible with the use of the insertion tool 190, and the insertion tool 190 engages the upper groove 182a, 182b. 192b and lower protrusions 194a, 194b engaged with the lower grooves 184a, 184b. The insertion tool 190 and the special central projections 195a and 195b, together with the central ribs 196a and 196b, maintain the implant device in an integrated configuration during operation and insertion.

  Referring now to FIGS. 16-26, the implant device 210 differs in form from the implant device according to the present invention. Elements similar to those of the device 10, 110 are numbered similarly with 100 or 200 added respectively.

  The implant 210 includes an upper plate 220, a lower plate 230, and a core member 240. As with the device 110, the locking portions 223, 233 are 45 degrees with respect to the major longitudinal surface passing through the center of the implant device 210. Thus, by making the locking portions 223, 233 at a relative angle, an anterior side approach for inserting and implanting the implant device 210 may be performed.

  Unlike the device 110, the lower convex surface 222 is formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 220 and the upper convex surface 232 is formed on the upper surface of the lower plate 230, not the convex surface of a separate inlay member.

  16-20 illustrate the implant 210 in a neutral position, which results in the formation of a peripheral groove 228 around the lower convex surface 222 and a peripheral groove 238 around the upper convex surface 232, respectively.

  FIG. 21 shows a state in which the lower convex surface 222 of the implant 210 is articulated with the upper concave surface 241 and the upper convex portion 232 is articulated with the lower concave surface 242, and FIG. Show. For example, while tilting to the left outer side (FIG. 21), the upper core surface 244a and the lower core surface 245a slide into the grooves 228 and 238, respectively. The core surfaces 244a and 245a abut against the groove surfaces 229a and 239a, respectively, when tilted to the maximum left outside.

  Similarly, the upper plate 220 articulates along the convex surface 222 and the lower plate 230 articulates along the convex surface 232 while tilting to the right outside (FIG. 22). When tilted to the right outside as much as possible, the upper core surface 244b contacts the upper groove surface 229b and the lower core surface 245b contacts the lower groove surface 239b, so that the upper plate 220 faces outward with respect to the lower plate 230. Movement is restricted. In the case of the implant device 110, the movement can be limited by bringing the core surface 144 into contact with the groove surface 129 and the core surface 145 into contact with the groove surface 139.

  Referring now to FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the implant 210 follows the articulating surfaces of the upper plate 220 and lower plate 230 along the upper and lower concave surfaces 241 and 242 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, respectively. Can bend and stretch by sliding each other.

  Here, referring to FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, the state in which the upper plate 220 translates to the left outer side with respect to the lower plate 230 and then translates later is illustrated. The upper plate 220 can be translated with respect to the lower plate 230 by moving the upper plate 220 in an outer direction opposite to the outer direction of the lower plate 230. For example, the upper plate 220 of the implant 210 moves in the direction of the arrow 250 with respect to the lower plate 230 while translating to the left outer side shown in FIG. 25, so that the upper core surface 244 b is in the upper groove 228. The lower core surface 245a is disposed in the lower groove 238, respectively. While the upper plate 220 of the implant 210 is later translated in the direction of the arrow 251 with respect to the lower plate 230, the upper core surface 244c is disposed in the upper groove 228 and the lower core surface 245d is disposed in the lower groove 238, respectively. Will be.

  27-31 show another embodiment 310 of an implant device according to the present invention. The implant 310 is different from the implants 110 and 210 in that the upper locking portion 323 and the lower locking portion 333 are parallel to a transverse section passing through the longitudinal main axis of the implant device 310. Similar to the implant 10, an anterior lateral insertion approach may be performed by orienting the locking portions 323, 333 parallel to the longitudinal major axis.

  Further, similar to the implant devices 10 and 210, a convex surface 322 to be articulated is formed on the lower surface of the upper plate 320, and a convex surface 332 to be articulated is formed on the upper surface of the lower plate 330.

  Similar to implants 110 and 210, the implant device 310 allows a limited range of free movement by extending, bending, tilting to the left, and tilting to the right and the grooves 328, 338 and the core 340 to each other. By making it act, parallel movement that can limit the movement range is possible. FIGS. 27-29 show the implant in the neutral position, and FIGS. 30 and 31 show the implant 310 in the translation position. The limited range of free movement and translation described above is performed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the implant devices 110, 210.

  With particular reference to FIG. 29, the core 340 has concave surfaces 341 and 342 that are slightly wider than the concave surfaces of the cores 140 and 240, that is, have a larger curvature radius. The implant device 310 is tilted outward, bent, and extended to the same extent as the implant devices 110 and 210, and moves freely within a limited range, but the radius of curvature of the concave surfaces 341 and 342 of the core 340 is increased. As a result, the rate of translation in the horizontal direction is greater than that of the implant devices 110 and 210.

  This implant device provides features not found in other implant devices. For example, the present apparatus makes it easier for the upper part and the lower part to move relatively, including the parallel movement of the upper part with respect to the lower part. The implant device of the present invention, when implanted, may cause the patient's spine to move naturally and move adjacent vertebrae where the implant device is inserted. Using the present implant device with translation can be advantageous for implantation in patients with less severe disc degenerative disease, thus eliminating the need for total disc replacement. In this case, the translation can be limited by the present implant device, so that the advantage is that only the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disk needs to be replaced while leaving the annulus of the intervertebral disk and leaving the ligament intact. In one preferred insertion technique, the intact ligament provides the support necessary for further outward movement and translation by the implant device.

  It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present implant device provides advantages and features not shown in previous implants, such as hydrogel / polymer nucleus replacement devices. For example, the implant uses known materials that have been used in the field of replacement surgery. In addition, the implant can be used to initially attach and permanently secure the device using a lock. Furthermore, the implant can restore the normal movement of the nucleus pulposus that occurs during natural movement. In addition, the present implant can return the disc height to a natural height. In addition, the present implant can provide an appropriate discectomy with a mini-open approach.

  Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that the invention is capable of numerous modifications and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (33)

An intervertebral device having a neutral position and a position that functions in different orientations,
An upper surface having an upper surface engaging the upper vertebra and a lower surface including a convex portion;
A lower surface engaging the lower vertebra, and a lower portion having an upper surface having a convex portion;
An upper concave surface portion that contacts the convex surface portion of the upper portion when the device is in the neutral position and a position that functions in the different directions, and the device functions in the neutral position and the different directions. A core member having a lower concave surface portion that comes into contact with the convex surface portion of the lower portion when in a position to be
With
The upper part and the lower part have a groove adjacent to each convex surface part and surrounding each convex surface part,
The groove has a groove bottom surface adjacent to the convex surface portion, and a groove side wall surface that is arranged radially away from the convex surface portion than the groove bottom surface and extends to the upper or lower side facing the groove bottom surface,
The core member has an upper surface that surrounds the upper concave surface portion and ends at the upper peripheral surface, and a lower surface that surrounds the lower concave surface portion and ends at the lower peripheral surface,
The upper and lower groove sidewall surfaces are configured such that the upper and lower peripheral surfaces of the terminal end of the core member are engaged when the upper and lower portions are brought closer to each other at the end of the intervertebral device. Inter device.   The intervertebral device of claim 1, wherein the core includes an outer circumferential groove adapted to receive an insertion instrument.   The intervertebral device according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion includes a locking portion that engages with a vertebra.   The intervertebral device according to claim 3, wherein the locking portion is at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to a plane passing through the main axis of the device in the longitudinal direction.   4. The intervertebral device according to claim 3, wherein the locking portion is at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction passing through the main axis of the device. An intervertebral device having a neutral position and a position that functions in different orientations,
An upper surface having an upper surface engaging the vertebra and a lower surface including a convex portion;
A lower surface having a lower surface engaged with a vertebra and an upper surface having a convex portion;
An upper concave surface portion that contacts the convex surface portion of the upper portion when the device is in the neutral position and a position that functions in the different directions, and the device functions in the neutral position and the different directions. A core member having a lower concave surface portion that comes into contact with the convex surface portion of the lower portion when in a position to be
With
The upper portion has an upper groove adjacent to the convex surface portion and surrounding the convex surface portion,
The upper groove is an upper groove bottom surface adjacent to the convex surface portion, and an upper groove side wall surface that is radially arranged farther from the convex surface portion than the upper groove bottom surface and extends from the upper groove bottom surface toward the lower side. Have
The lower portion has a lower groove adjacent to the convex surface portion and surrounding the convex surface portion,
The lower groove is a lower groove bottom surface adjacent to the convex surface portion, and a lower groove side wall surface that is radially arranged farther from the convex surface portion than the lower groove bottom surface and extends from the lower groove bottom surface toward the upper side. Have
The core member has upper and lower peripheral core surfaces that surround the upper concave surface portion and the lower concave surface portion, are adjacent to the upper concave surface portion and the lower concave surface portion, and end at the peripheral surface,
The upper part and the lower part are movable parallel to each other by sliding along the concave surface part of the core member,
The lower convex surface portion is aligned with the upper convex surface portion when the relative lateral positions of the upper and lower portions are the same.
At least a portion of the peripheral surface at the end of the upper and lower peripheral core surfaces is in contact with at least a portion of the upper and lower groove sidewall surfaces within the maximum tilt position of the intervertebral device, thereby the maximum tilt position. An intervertebral device that restricts upper and lower movements beyond   7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the upper and lower convex portions includes a surface of each inlay member dimensioned to place an inlay member in each recess formed in each upper and lower portion.   The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the inlay member comprises metal, plastic or ceramic.   The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plastic includes polyethylene. The upper groove has a groove bottom surface angled with respect to a horizontal plane;
The lower groove has a groove bottom surface that is angled with respect to a horizontal plane;
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the upper and lower peripheral core surfaces are inclined at angles opposite to the upper and lower groove bottom surfaces, respectively. When the upper portion is at a maximum tilt position with respect to the lower portion, the upper groove bottom surface is joined to the upper peripheral core surface of the core, and the lower groove bottom surface is joined to the lower peripheral core surface of the core. The apparatus according to claim 10.   The device according to claim 6, wherein the core member has an upper inclined surface and a lower inclined surface, and the surfaces are inclined so as to be away from the upper groove bottom surface and the lower groove bottom surface, respectively.   The upper groove bottom surface is joined to the upper inclined surface of the core and the lower groove bottom surface is joined to the lower inclined surface of the core when the upper portion is at a maximum inclination position with respect to the lower portion. 12. The apparatus according to 12.   7. The intervertebral device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the upper and lower portions includes a locking portion that engages a vertebra.   15. The intervertebral device according to claim 14, wherein the locking portion is at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction passing through the main axis of the device.   The intervertebral device according to claim 15, wherein the locking portion is at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction.   The intervertebral device according to claim 6, wherein the core member includes a peripheral groove adapted to receive an insertion instrument.   The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the upper and lower portions remain parallel to each other as the upper and lower portions move outward from one another. The upper portion has an upper inlay member sized to be disposed in a recess formed in the upper portion, the upper inlay member has a lower surface, and the lower surface includes the convex portion of the upper portion,
The lower portion has a lower inlay member sized to be disposed in a recess formed in the lower portion, the lower inlay member has an upper surface, and the upper surface includes the lower convex surface portion,
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper part and the lower part can be translated from each other by sliding along the concave surface part of the core member.   20. The intervertebral device of claim 19, wherein at least one of the upper and lower portions includes a locking portion that engages a vertebra. 21. The intervertebral device according to claim 20 , wherein the locking portion is at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees with respect to a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction passing through the main axis of the device.   The intervertebral device according to claim 21, wherein the engaging portion is at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction.   20. The intervertebral device of claim 19, wherein the core member includes a peripheral groove adapted to receive an insertion instrument.   The apparatus of claim 19, wherein each inlay member comprises metal, plastic or ceramic.   25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the plastic includes polyethylene. The upper groove has a groove bottom surface angled with respect to a horizontal plane;
The lower groove has a groove bottom surface that is angled with respect to a horizontal plane;
The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the core member has an upward inclined surface having an angle opposite to the bottom surface of the upper groove and a downward inclined surface having an angle opposite to the bottom surface of the lower groove. The upper groove has a groove bottom surface parallel to a horizontal plane,
The lower groove has a groove bottom surface parallel to a horizontal plane;
The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the core member has an upper inclined surface that inclines away from the bottom surface of the upper groove and a lower inclined surface that inclines away from the bottom surface of the lower groove.   The upper groove bottom surface joins with the upper inclined surface of the core and the lower groove bottom surface joins with the lower inclined surface of the core while the upper portion moves to the maximum with respect to the lower portion. 28. The device of claim 27.   The upper groove bottom surface joins with the upper inclined surface of the core and the lower groove bottom surface joins with the lower inclined surface of the core while the upper portion moves to the maximum with respect to the lower portion. 27. Apparatus according to claim 26.   20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the upper and lower portions remain parallel to each other as the upper and lower portions move outward from one another.   The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the lower convex portion is aligned vertically with the upper convex portion when the relative lateral positions of the upper and lower portions are the same.   7. The device of claim 6, wherein the upper and lower groove sidewall surfaces are configured to engage the peripheral surface of the terminal end of the core member when the upper and lower portions are brought closer at the end of the intervertebral device. .   The upper peripheral surface and the lower peripheral surface of the terminal end of the core member are engaged until the upper peripheral surface and the lower peripheral surface engage with the groove side wall surface when the upper and lower portions are brought close to each other at the end of the intervertebral device. The apparatus according to claim 1, which slides along the bottom surface of the groove.

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